Techniques for adjusting computing device sleep states

ABSTRACT

This application relates to techniques that adjust the sleep states of a computing device based on proximity detection and predicted user activity. Proximity detection procedures can be used to determine a proximity between the computing device and a remote computing device coupled to the user. Based on these proximity detection procedures, the computing device can either correspondingly increase or decrease the amount power supplied to the various components during either a low-power sleep state or a high-power sleep state. Additionally, historical user activity data gathered on the computing device can be used to predict when the user will likely use the computing device. Based on the gathered historical user activity, deep sleep signals and light sleep signals can be issued at a time when the computing device is placed within a sleep state which can cause it to enter either a low-power sleep state or a high-power sleep state.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/996,372, entitled “TECHNIQUES FOR ADJUSTING COMPUTING DEVICESLEEP STATES,” filed Jun. 1, 2018, set to issue on Mar. 8, 2022 as U.S.Pat. No. 11,269,393, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/720,783, entitled “TECHNIQUES FOR ADJUSTINGCOMPUTING DEVICE SLEEP STATES,” filed Sep. 29, 2017, issued Oct. 13,2020 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,802,568, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/514,743, entitled “TECHNIQUES FORADJUSTING COMPUTING DEVICE SLEEP STATES,” filed Jun. 2, 2017, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entiretyfor all purposes.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The described embodiments relate generally to sleep state adjustmentprocedures for computing devices. More particularly, the presentembodiments relate to techniques that involve adjusting sleep states fora computing device based on a proximity of a remote device and/orlearned user behavior.

BACKGROUND

In a given conventional computer system, the system can transitionbetween a number of different sleep states based on a duration for whichthe system remains in a generalized sleep state. For example, as thesleep duration increases, the system can increasingly lower or switchoff power to different internal components in an effort to promoteenergy efficiency. For instance, after a first period of sleep timeelapses, one system component is powered off, after a second period ofsleep time elapses, another system component is powered off, and so on.

Notably, the cost of implementing the foregoing energy saving measurescan often result in the system requiring a considerable amount time tore-enter into a fully-functional/awake computing state. In particular,additional time costs can be involved in reanimating the differentinternal components when the system is abruptly required to reenter intoan awake state (e.g., when a laptop lid is opened, when a power buttonis pressed, etc.). Consequently, this can be unpleasant for users asthey are required to sit and wait for seemingly long periods of time fortheir systems to enter into an awake state after extended periods ofdisuse.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Accordingly, representative embodiments set forth herein disclosetechniques for adjusting the sleep states of a computing device based onproximity detection and predicted user activity in a manner that allowsthe computing device to efficiently use power resources. In particular,the techniques involve (1) adjusting sleep states of a computing devicebased on a proximity of a remote computing device, and (2) adjustingsleep states based on historical user activity through the scheduling ofdeep and light sleep signals.

One embodiment sets forth a method for adjusting sleep states of a firstcomputing device based on a proximity of a second computing device. Inparticular, the method involves, at the first computing device, a firststep of detecting the proximity of the first computing device relativeto the second computing device. Next, the method involves, provided thefirst computing device is operating within a high-power sleep state andis not proximate to the second computing device, the step of causing thefirst computing device to enter into a low-power sleep state relative tothe high-power sleep state. Finally, the method involves the step of,provided the first computing device is operating within the low-powersleep state and is proximate to the second computing device, causing thefirst computing device to enter into the high-power sleep state.

One embodiment sets forth a method for adjusting sleep states based onhistorical user activity. In particular, the method involves a firststep of gathering the historical user activity on the computing devicewhen the computing device is in an awake state. Next, the methodinvolves scheduling, based on the historical user activity, a deep sleepsignal and a light sleep signal to occur when the computing device iswithin a sleep state, in which the deep sleep signal causes thecomputing device to enter into a low-power sleep state, and the lightsleep signal causes the computing device to enter into a high-powersleep state. Finally, the method involves the step of issuing the deepsleep signal and the light sleep signal in accordance with thescheduling when the computing device is within the sleep state.

Another embodiment sets for a method for adjusting sleep states of acomputing device. According to some embodiments, the method can beperformed at the computing device, and include the steps of: (1)analyzing historical behavior associated with the computing device toidentify at least one time period in which the computing device is notutilized, (2) scheduling, in accordance with the at least one timeperiod, a first event and a second event to occur, wherein: (i) thefirst event causes the computing device to enter into a lowest-powersleep state in which the computing device ceases performing detectionsto identify whether the computing device should enter into ahigher-power sleep state, and (ii) the second event causes the computingdevice to enter into the higher-power sleep state while operating in thelowest-power sleep state.

Yet another embodiment sets forth a method for managing a plurality ofapplications on a computing device in accordance with sleep states underwhich the computing device is operating. According to some embodiments,the method can be performed at the computing device, and include thesteps of (1) in response to detecting that a first condition issatisfied: causing the computing device to transition from operating ina lowest-power sleep state to a higher-power sleep state, and (2) inresponse to detecting that a second condition is satisfied whileoperating in the higher-power sleep state: causing at least oneapplication of the plurality of applications to carry out at least onerespective action.

Other embodiments include a non-transitory computer readable storagemedium configured to store instructions that, when executed by aprocessor included in a computing device, cause the computing device tocarry out the various steps of any of the foregoing methods. Furtherembodiments include a computing device that is configured to carry outthe various steps of any of the foregoing methods.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings that illustrate, by way of example, the principlesof the described embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of a system that can be configured toperform the various techniques described herein, according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate example scenarios of sleep state adjustmentprocedures performed using proximity detection, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 3A illustrates example user activity detection procedures used toperform sleep state adjustment procedures, according to someembodiments.

FIGS. 3B-3D illustrate graphical representations of data gathered andanalyzed to perform sleep state adjustment procedures, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates example scenarios of selectively enabling anddisabling sleep state adjustment procedures, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a first method for adjusting sleep states of acomputing device based on a proximity of a remote computing device,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second method for adjusting sleep states based onhistorical user activity, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed view of a computing device that can beused to implement the various techniques described herein, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates another method for adjusting sleep states of acomputing device, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method for managing a plurality of applications ona computing device in accordance with sleep states under which thecomputing device is operating, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to thepresent application are described in this section. These examples arebeing provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of thedescribed embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in theart that the described embodiments can be practiced without some or allof these specific details. In other instances, well-known process stepshave not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible,such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting.

In the following detailed description, references are made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in whichare shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordancewith the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are describedin sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice thedescribed embodiments, it is understood that these examples are notlimiting such that other embodiments can be used, and changes can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the describedembodiments.

The embodiments described herein set forth techniques for adjustingsleep states of a computing device to reduce the amount of time itspends re-entering into a fully-functional/awake computing state.Unnecessary startup delays are often caused due to the considerableamount of time the computing device spends powering on each of thevarious components of the computing device that were previously placedinto sleep states. The embodiments described herein can avoid thesedelays by using proximity detection procedures to determine if a user isnearby and, thus, likely to use the computing device by detecting thepresence of a remote computing device coupled to the user. The describedembodiments can correspondingly increase power supplied to the variouscomponents during a low-power sleep state to place it in position foruse in the likely event that the user uses the computing device againgiven the user's proximity to it.

Using proximity detection procedures, the embodiments can also determineif a user is not near the computing device based on a lack of proximitybetween the computing device and the remote computing device. In thisfashion, the embodiments can also correspondingly decrease powersupplied to the various components during a high-power sleep state tobetter conserve power resources given the unlikely event that the userwill re-engage in its use based on the lack of proximity.

The embodiments described herein also use historical user activity datagathered on the computing device to predict when the user will likelyuse the computing device. Based on historical user activity datagathered over a period of time, the described embodiments can schedulethe issuance of deep sleep signals and light sleep signals when thecomputing device is within a sleep state which can cause it to entereither a low-power sleep state or a high-power sleep state.

A more detailed description of the various techniques described herein,and the manner in which they can be implemented, is provided below inconjunction with FIGS. 1, 2A-2B, 3A-3D, and 4-7.

FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level overview 100 of a computing device 102that can be configured to perform the various techniques describedherein. As shown in FIG. 1 , the computing device 102 can include aprocessor 104, a volatile memory 106 (e.g., a Random-Access Memory(RAM)), and a non-volatile memory 118 (e.g., a storage device). It isnoted that a more detailed breakdown of example hardware components thatcan be included in the computing device 102 is illustrated in FIG. 7 ,and that these components are omitted from the illustration of FIG. 1merely for simplification purposes. For example, the computing device102 can include additional non-volatile memories (e.g., solid statedrives, hard drives, etc.), other processors (e.g., a multi-core centralprocessing unit (CPU)), and so on. According to some embodiments, anoperating system (OS) 108 can be loaded into the volatile memory 106,where the OS 108 can execute a variety of applications that collectivelyenable the various techniques described herein to be implemented. Asdescribed in greater detail herein, such applications can include aproximity detector 110, a power controller 112, a user activity detector114, and a learning engine 116.

According to some embodiments, the proximity detector 110 can enable thecomputing device 102 to detect remote computing devices that are withina threshold distance relative to the computing device 102. For example,the proximity detector 110 can measure a signal strength of signalsemitted from a remote computing device, e.g., signals periodically sentby the remote computing device, signals sent by the remote computingdevice in response to signals sent by the computing device 102, and soon. It is noted that any form of signal can be utilized, e.g., Bluetoothsignals, Near Field Communication (NFC) signals, WiFi signals, cellularsignals, Ultra-wideband signals (UWB), and so on. Accordingly, theproximity detector 110 can (1) detect the presence of a remote computingdevice, and (2) calculate an estimate of a distance of the remotecomputing device relative to computing device 102. In this manner, andas described in greater detail herein, the foregoing functionalities canbe utilized to adjust the sleep states of the computing device 102 toprovide faster wakeup times while promoting power efficiency.

Additionally, and according to some embodiments, the proximity detector110 can be configured to detect and analyze device identification dataassociated with remote computing devices when carrying out the foregoingsignal transmission procedures. For example, the proximity detector 110can be configured to identify specific Media Address Control (MAC)addresses, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, etc., of remote computingdevices so that “foreign” remote computing devices—i.e., remotecomputing devices that are detectible by, but not known to the computingdevice 102—can be disregarded when carrying out the sleep stateadjustment procedures described herein. According to some embodiments,the device identification data can represent a group of remote computingdevices that are associated with the computing device 102. For example,a common user account (e.g., a cloud user account) can associate thecomputing device 102 with the group of remote computing devices. In thismanner, as remote computing devices are associated/disassociated withthe common user account, the computing device 102 can continue toidentify relevant remote computing devices and respond according to thetechniques described herein.

Additionally, it is noted that the embodiments described herein are notlimited to only utilizing signal transmissions between the computingdevice 102 and remote computing devices when attempting to detectproximity conditions. On the contrary, and according to someembodiments, the proximity detector 110 can be configured to analyzedata collected through any sensors that can be utilized to identify whenremote computing devices—or users themselves are proximate to thecomputing device 102. The sensors can include, for example, biometricsensors, motion sensors, audio/video sensors, and so on, that enable thecomputing device 102 to identify when to both (1) prepare the computingdevice 102 to enter into an awake state (when proximity is detected),and (2) cause the computing device 102 to enter into a deeper sleepstate (when proximity is not detected).

Accordingly, the proximity detector 110 can be utilized to identifyproximity conditions (or lack thereof) in which the different sleepstates of the computing device 102 can be adjusted. According to someembodiments, the different sleep states of the computing device can beadjusted by the power controller 112, which can be configured toincrease/decrease/cease the power supplied to various componentsresident on computing device 102 as it operates within the differentsleep states. As described in greater detail herein, these sleep statescan include, for example, a high-power sleep state, a mid-power sleepstate, a low-power sleep state. It is noted that the foregoing sleepstates are merely exemplary, and that any number of sleep states can beimplemented on the computing device 102 to achieve a desired level ofsleep state granularity. According to some embodiments, the powercontroller 112 can be configured to send/receive control signals frompower resource components (not illustrated in FIG. 1 ) that are residenton the computing device 102. For example, the power controller 112 cansend control signals to power resource components that are capable ofadjusting the operating modes of internal components that can include,for example, processor components, memory components, communicationscomponents, bus components, and the like.

As described in greater detail herein, the power controller 112 can be aprimary component within the computing device 102 and can be configuredto manage the sleep states of the computing device 102 based on datagathered/analyzed by the proximity detector 110, the user activitydetector 114, and/or the learning engine 116. For example, with respectto the proximity detector 110, this component can be utilized by thepower controller 112 to identify when a remote device is nearby or awayfrom the computing device 102, and accordingly adjust the sleep statesof the computing device 102. With respect to the user activity detector114/learning engine 116, these components can gather/learn user activityassociated with the computing device 102, and be utilized by the powercontroller 112 to appropriately adjust the sleep states of the computingdevice 102. For example, the power controller 112 can determine that auser is likely to awaken the computing device 102 during an anticipatedtime window (e.g., when the computing device 102 is in a low or midsleep state), and correspondingly send control signals to power resourcecomponents to heighten the sleep state of the computing device based on(e.g., prior to or during) the anticipated time window. In a similarfashion, the power controller 112 can also determine that a user is notlikely to awaken the computing device 102 for a predicted time period(e.g., when the computing device 102 is in a high or mid sleep state),and correspondingly send control signals to power resource components tolower the sleep state of the computing device 102 based on (e.g., priorto or during) the predicted time period.

According to some embodiments, the power controller 112 can issue theabove-described control signals to cause the computing device 102 toenter into any desired sleep state level (e.g., low, mid, high, etc.).For example, the power controller 112 can issue control signals toincrease or decrease the current sleep state of the computing device 102by a single level. In another example, the power controller 112 cangenerate control signals that cause the current sleep state of thecomputing device 102 to transition into a highest-power sleep state or alowest-power sleep state while bypassing intermediate sleep states (ifany). According to some embodiments, the highest-power sleep state canrepresent a state in which the computing device 102 operates prior toentering into an awake (i.e., fully-operable) state. Conversely, thelowest-power sleep state can represent a sleep state in which thecomputing device 102 operates period to entering into a suspended (e.g.,hibernated) state. Again, it is noted that the foregoing sleep statesare merely exemplary, and that any number of sleep states—as well as anylevel of shift in sleep states—can be implemented within the computingdevice 102.

Additionally, the power controller 112 also includes the functionalityto selectively enable and disable the sleep adjustment procedures underappropriate scenarios. For instance, according to some embodiments, thepower controller 112 can include the functionality to detect scenariosin which a remote computing device is generally within the vicinity ofcomputing device 102 and frequently transitions between satisfying andnot satisfying a proximity distance threshold value (e.g., a signalstrength) during a threshold period of time (e.g., a period of a fewminutes). In this scenario, the computing device 102 might transitionbetween the highest-power and lowest-power sleep states (when the sleepadjustment procedures are enabled), which can result inperformance/power efficiency degradation. However, as noted above, thepower controller 112 can be configured to identify situations in whichit is prudent to disable the sleep adjustment procedures to ensure thatthe performance/power efficiency gains afforded by the techniquesdescribed herein remain intact.

Additionally, and as noted above, the user activity detector 114 canenable the computing device 102 to identify scenarios in which thecomputing device 102 is likely/not likely to be utilized by a user.According to some embodiments, the user activity detector 114 caninclude the functionality to detect instances in which a user engagescomputing device 102 in some manner. For example, the user activitydetector 114 can record or capture a number of different user inputtypes capable of being received and processed by the computing device102. For instance, user activity detector 114 can detect a userproviding input to computing device 102 through a wired or wirelesskeyboard, a wired or wireless mouse, a wired or wireless gamepad, atouch sensitive panel coupled to computing device 102, a touch-sensitivedisplay coupled to computing device 102, and the like. In otherexamples, the user activity detector 114 can detect motion of thecomputing device 102 that indicates that a user likely will want toawaken the computing device 102 (e.g., when being pulled out of acarrying case and positioned onto a user's lap). In yet other examples,the user activity detector 114 includes the functionality to detectinstances in which a user engages computing device 102 through remotecomputing mechanisms, such as secure shell (“SSH”) connections made tothe computing device 102.

Additionally, the user activity detector 114 also includes thefunctionality to generate historical user activity data based ondetected user activities, which can be analyzed by the learning engine116 to establish meaningful observations about user behaviors. Accordingto some embodiments, the learning engine 116 can be configured tocorrelate instances of user interactions with computing device 102 withspecific time periods to identify typical user usage patterns. The userusage patterns can be gathered over time during a particular thresholdtime period (e.g., hours, days, months, years, etc.) and utilized by thepower controller 112 to implement the user-behavior based sleep stateadjustment techniques described herein.

Additionally, and as shown in FIG. 1 , the computing device 102 canoptionally be configured to interact with a server computing device 150to improve the techniques set forth herein. In particular, at least oneremote computing device that is associated with the computing device 102can be configured to provide information to the server computing device150 (e.g., a current location of the at least one remote computingdevice). In turn, the server computing device 150 can analyze theinformation (and other information) to determine whether there ispotential to improve the overall operational efficiency of the computingdevice 102 by adjusting the sleep state of the computing device 102.According to some embodiments, the server computing device 150 cancommunicate with the computing device 102 at varying degrees based onthe current sleep state of the computing device 102 to cause thecomputing device 102 to achieve the improved operational efficiency. Amore detailed explanation of the manner in which the server computingdevice 150 can operate is described below in greater detail inconjunction with FIG. 9 .

Accordingly, FIG. 1 provides a high-level overview of differenthardware/software architectures that can be implemented by computingdevice 102 in order to carry out the various techniques describedherein. A more detailed breakdown of these techniques will now beprovided below in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-2B, 3A-3D, and 4-7 . Itshould be noted that in the embodiments and examples set forth herein, auser is generally physically coupled the remote computing devicesdiscussed.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate example scenarios of sleep state adjustmentprocedures performed using proximity detection, according to someembodiments. FIG. 2A depicts two computing devices, a local computingdevice (e.g., computing device 102) and a remote computing device (e.g.,remote computing device 204). In some embodiments, the computing device102 can be implemented as, for example, a desktop computer, portableelectronic device (e.g., laptop computer, audio device, entertainmentdevice, and so on), wireless hand-held devices (e.g., mobile phone,pager, and the like), wireless wearable devices capable of wirelesslytransmitting digital information (e.g., electronic watch devices), andso on. The remote computing device 204 can be a device capable oftransmitting wireless signals capable of being received and measured forsignal strength by the computing device 102. In some embodiments, theremote computing device 204 can include at least some portion of thefunctionality described herein with respect to the computing device 102.

FIG. 2A also depicts a scenario in which the computing device 102 wasremoved from a low-power sleep state and placed within a high-powersleep state after detecting the presence of the remote computing device204 nearby. The computing device 102 can selectively activate orinitialize its proximity sensing features to gather proximity data whilethe computing device 102 operates within an awake state, as well asvarious sleep states (e.g., high-power sleep states, low-power sleepstates, and so on). The proximity detection capabilities of theproximity detector 110 (depicted as installed within the computingdevice 102) can enable the computing device 102 to detect objects withina detectable distance relative to the computing device 102 based on apre-determined proximity distance threshold value (e.g., a valuecorresponding to a proximity radius 202).

According to some embodiments, values below the pre-determined proximitydistance threshold value can be an indication of weaker signal detectionthereby causing the computing device 102, via the proximity detector110, to determine that there is no remote computing device nearby. Inthis fashion, values above the pre-determined proximity distancethreshold value can be an indication of stronger signal detection,thereby causing the computing device 102 to determine that there is aremote computing device nearby. For instance, as illustrated by theproximity detection procedures 200 in FIG. 2A, the remote computingdevice 204 is detected by the computing device 102 as being within theproximity radius 202.

Given this proximity, signals (e.g., Bluetooth signals, WiFi signals,and the like) emitted from the remote computing device 204 are ofsufficient strength (e.g., received signal strength (RSS)) such that thecomputing device 102 can detect both the presence of the remotecomputing device 204 and also accurately gauge how far away the remotecomputing device 204 is relative to the computing device 102. In thisscenario, given the close proximity of the computing device 102 and theremote computing device 204, the computing device 102 can determine thata user (not depicted in FIG. 2A) is more likely to use the computingdevice 102 within a pre-determined period of time and correspondinglysends control signals, via the power controller 112 (not depicted inFIG. 2A), to power resource components (e.g., the power controller 112)that increase the amount of power supplied to components resident withinthe computing device 102.

For instance, circuitry included within the computing device 102 can besufficiently powered in order to respond to any commands issued by anearby user. According to some embodiments, the computing device 102 caninclude audio signal circuitry that can be sufficiently powered toperform voice-activated operations. For example, in one use case, thecomputing device 102 can be configured, through installed software(e.g., Apple Inc.'s Siri®), to perform various operations in response tovoice commands received via one or more microphones coupled to thecomputing device 102. In another use case, increased sound levelsdetected by the one or more microphones can be indicative of doorsclosing or other hints that a user is proximate to the computing device102 and, thus, likely to engage in use of the computing device 102within a short period of time.

Indeed, by enabling the power controller 112 to selectively issuecontrol signals in the manner described herein, the circuitry within thecomputing device 102 can be removed from a previous low-power sleepstate and placed within a high-power sleep state. In this fashion, thecomputing device 102 can operate in a manner that allows it toanticipate user usage while also conserving power resources in ahigh-power sleep state rather than remaining in a low-power sleep state,which otherwise would require more time to restore the computing device102 to an awake state.

FIG. 2B depicts a scenario in which the computing device 102 was removedfrom a high-power sleep state and placed within a low-power sleep statewhen the remote computing device 204 is no longer nearby. As illustratedby the proximity detection procedures 206 in FIG. 2B, the remotecomputing device 204 is not detected by the computing device 102, viathe proximity detector 110 (depicted as installed within the computingdevice 102), due to the fact that the remote computing device 204 is notwithin the proximity radius 202. Given the lack of proximity, anysignals emitted from the remote computing device 204 are not strongenough for the computing device 102 to detect the presence of the remotecomputing device 204. In this scenario, given the lack of proximitybetween the computing device 102 and the remote computing device 204,the computing device 102 can determine that a user is less likely to usethe computing device 102 within the pre-determined period of time.Accordingly, the computing device 102 correspondingly sends controlsignals, via the power controller 112 (not depicted in FIG. 2B), topower resource components that decrease the amount of power supplied tocomponents resident within the computing device 102.

By issuing control signals in this manner, the computing device 102 canbe placed within low-power sleep state and removed from a high-powersleep state. In this fashion, the computing device 102 can operatewithin a low-power sleep state rather than unnecessarily remaining in ahigh-power sleep state during a time in which a user is unlikely toengage the computing device 102 in any kind of user activity. Inaddition to adjusting sleep states based on detecting the proximity of aremote computing device relative to the computing device 102 (asdescribed herein), the embodiments described herein can also analyzeuser usage patterns to make intelligent sleep state adjustmentdeterminations, which will now be described.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of user activity detection proceduresperformed during a sleep state adjustment determination, according tosome embodiments. As depicted during user activity detection procedures300 performed in FIG. 3A, the computing device 102 can detect useractivity 308, via the user activity detector 114 (depicted as installedwithin the computing device 102), which can be in the form of a numberof different user input types capable of being received and processed bythe computing device 102. For instance, the computing device 102 candetect a user providing input to the computing device 102 through awired or wireless keyboard (e.g., keyboard 302 a). In another example,the computing device 102 can detect a user providing input to thecomputing device 102 through a wired or wireless mouse (e.g., mouse 302b). In another example, the computing device 102 can detect a userproviding input to the computing device 102 through a wired or wirelessgamepad (e.g., gamepad 302 c). In yet another example, the computingdevice 102 can detect a user providing input to the computing device 102through a touch sensitive panel (e.g., panel 302 d) or touch-sensitivedisplay. According to some embodiments, the computing device 102 candetect a user providing input to the computing device 102 remotelythrough secure shell (“SSH”) computing procedures (not depicted in FIG.3A) or similar procedures. It should be noted that the embodiments ofthe present invention are not limited to the user input typesillustrated in FIG. 3A and can include additional types of user inputcapable of being received and processed by the computing device 102.

With reference now to the graphical illustration depicted in FIG. 3B,while the computing device 102 operates within an awake state, thecomputing device 102 (via the learning engine 116) can be configured toanalyze stored data related to historical user activity involving theuse of the computing device 102. Historical user activity data (e.g.,stored historical user activity data 310) stored by the computing device102 can include user usage patterns performed on the computing device102 over a period of time (e.g., several days, months, years, and soon). User usage patterns can include activities or events in which theuser directly engages the computing device 102 and that occur with acertain degree of regularity in a manner that allows the computingdevice 102 to accurately predict a future occurrence of the particularuser activity. User activities can include the use of the various inputdevices described herein (e.g., user activity 308) as well as inputsreceived by the computing device 102 remotely (e.g., SSH procedures).According to some embodiments, historical user activity data can bestored within memory resident on computing device 102.

FIG. 3B depicts a scenario in which the learning engine 116 analyzeddata gathered/stored over the course of several months. It should benoted that the user activity level (UAL) depicted in FIG. 3B can be ameasurement in the frequency of user-initiated activity performed on thecomputing device 102. Using the stored historical user activity data 310depicted in FIG. 3B, the learning engine 116 can determine a user'sgeneral usage pattern of the computing device 102 during any given day(e.g., usage pattern between 9 am and 2 pm, which corresponds with times312, 314, 316, 318, 320, and 322, respectively). For example, asillustrated in FIG. 3B, the stored historical user activity data 310 canbe processed in a manner such that the computing device 102 canaccurately determine times of the day in which user activity involvingthe use of the computing device 102 typically begins to decrease (e.g.,time 312 which corresponds to approximately 9 am) as well as when usagetypically begins to increase (e.g., time 320 which corresponds toapproximately 1 pm). As will be described in greater detail herein, thestored historical user activity data 310 can be used to schedule theissuance of both “light” sleep signals and “deep” sleep signals toadjust a current sleep state level of the computing device 102.

FIG. 3C depicts a graphical illustration of how sleep state operationsare performed by the computing device 102, prior to the enactment of thesleep state adjustment procedures described herein. As depicted in thecurrent sleep state schedule determinations 324 in FIG. 3C, thecomputing device 102 can enter a number of different computing states,“S0”, “S1”, and “S2,” during times 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, and 322.(S0) computing state can represent a fully-functional or “awake”computing state in which the computing device 102 operates in afully-operational mode such that its resident components aresufficiently powered to fully perform their respective functions.

Sleep state (S1) can represent a sleep state in which the computingdevice 102 operates within a low-power mode such that componentsresident within the computing device 102 are supplied with a decreasedamount of power relative to an awake computing state. Placing thecomputing device 102 within sleep state (S1) causes the computing device102 to save a smaller amount of power relative to sleep state (S2)(which is discussed in greater detail herein), but allows the computingdevice 102 to be restored to an awake state in a shorter period of timerelative to sleep state (S2).

Accordingly, sleep state (S2) can represent a deeper sleep state or“standby” mode in which the computing device 102 operates within an evenlower power mode relative to sleep state (S1) such that componentsresiding within the computing device 102 are supplied with minimal powersuch that the computing device 102 approaches being completely placedwithin “powered off” state. Placing the computing device 102 withinsleep state (S2) allows the computing device 102 to achieve the highestpossible power savings relative to sleep state (S1), but comes at thecost of requiring a greater amount of time to restore the computingdevice 102 to an awake state (e.g., (S0) computing state) relative tosleep state (S1).

As depicted in FIG. 3C during the T1 time period, the computing device102 is powered-on and operates within the (S0) computing state. During alater phase of the T1 period, the computing device 102 can experience aperiod of inactivity in which a user may not be actively engaging thecomputing device 102. Thus, during this later phase of the T1 period, asleep state policy executed by the computing device 102 can executelocal sleep operations such that the computing device 102 begins tooperate within the (S1) sleep state toward the end of the T1 period.

During the T2 time period, the computing device 102 continues to operatewithin the (S1) sleep state. During this period, the computing device102 saves a smaller amount of power relative to the (S2) sleep stateduring the T2 time period while enabling the computing device 102 to beable to restore itself to the (S0) computing state in a shorter periodof time relative to the (S2) sleep state. During a later phase of the T2period, the computing device 102 can experience a period of continuedinactivity in which a user may still not be engaging the computingdevice 102 (or be in proximity to the computing device 102). Thus,during this later phase of the T2 period, the sleep state policyexecuted by the computing device 102 can further engage local sleepoperations such that the computing device 102 begins to operate within a“deeper” sleep state, (S2), towards the end of the T2 period.

During the T3 time period, the computing device 102 continues to operatewithin the (S2) sleep state. During this period, the computing device102 saves a highest amount of power relative to the (S1) sleep state atthe expense of the computing device 102 requiring a greater amount oftime to restore itself to the (S0) computing state relative to theamount of time that would be otherwise be required when operating withinthe (S1) sleep state. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, during a later phase ofthe T3 period, the computing device 102 can begin to experience a periodof renewed user activity in which the user begins to re-engage thecomputing device 102 (or enter into proximity of the computing device102). Thus, during this later phase of the T3 period, the sleep statepolicy executed by the computing device 102 can initialize operationsthat remove the computing device 102 from the (S2) sleep state andrestore itself to an awake (S0) computing state at the beginning of theT4 period.

FIG. 3D depicts a graphical illustration of how the computing device 102can use stored historical user activity data to schedule and issue deepsleep and light sleep signals that adjust sleep states, according tosome embodiments. Using, the learning engine 116 (not depicted in FIG.3D), the computing device 102 can correlate typical user usage patternsgathered from the historical user activity data accumulated over aperiod of time (e.g., stored historical user activity data 310 in FIG.3B) with the scheduling of deep sleep signals (e.g., deep sleep signal328) and light sleep signals (e.g., light sleep signal 332).

As depicted by the sleep adjustment procedures 326 illustrated in FIG.3D, the deep sleep and light sleep signals can be issued, via the powercontroller 112, in accordance with scheduled times. In particular, andas illustrated in FIG. 3D, the power controller 112 can schedule theissuance of the deep sleep signal 328 at a time 330 (e.g., 10:30 AM inFIG. 3B), which occurs between times 314 (e.g., 10 AM in FIG. 3B) and316 (e.g., 11 AM in FIG. 3B). Accordingly, time 330 can be recognized asa time in which the computing device 102 typically experiences decreaseduser activity (based on historical user activity data gathered) and inwhich the computing device 102 typically operates within the (S1) sleepstate. In this regard, and with further reference to FIG. 3D, the deepsleep signal 328 can be issued by the power controller 112 to decreasethe amount of power supplied to one or more components of the computingdevice 102, thereby causing the computing device 102 to enter into the(S2) computing state at time 330.

By placing the computing device 102 into the (S2) sleep state in thismanner, the computing device 102 can reside in a lowest possible sleepstate (e.g., “standby” mode) for a larger portion of the T2 period,whereas, prior to the scheduling of deep sleep signal 328, the computingdevice 102 would have continued to operate within the (S1) computingstate for the entire duration of the T2 period (as depicted by the solidlines between the times 314 and 316 in FIG. 3D). In this fashion,through the use of the scheduling procedures described herein, thecomputing device 102 can use historical user activity data gathered overtime to accurately predict a time period in which the user will likelynot use the computing device 102 and intelligently decrease the amountof power it can save during that time period.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 3D, the power controller 112 canschedule the issuance of the light sleep signal 332 at time 334 (e.g.,12:30 PM in FIG. 3B), which occurs between times 318 (e.g., 12 PM inFIG. 3B) and 320 (e.g., 1 PM in FIG. 3B). Accordingly, time 334 can berecognized as a time in which the computing device 102 typicallyexperiences continued inactivity (based on historical user activity datagathered) and a time in which the computing device 102 typically remainsin the (S2) sleep state. In this regard, and with further reference toFIG. 3D, the light sleep signal 332 can be issued to instruct residentpower resources of the computing device 102 to increase the amount ofpower supplied to one or more components of computing device 102,thereby causing the computing device 102 to enter into the (S1) sleepstate at time 334.

By placing the computing device 102 into the (S1) sleep state in thismanner, the computing device 102 can operate in a high-power sleep statefor larger portion of the T3 period, whereas, prior to the scheduling ofthe light sleep signal 332, the computing device 102 would havecontinued to operate within the S2 computing state for the entireduration of the T3 period (as depicted by the solid lines between times318 and 320 in FIG. 3D). In this fashion, through the use of thescheduling procedures described herein, the computing device 102 can usehistorical user activity data gathered over time to accurately predict atime period in which the user will likely use the computing device 102.The issuance of the light sleep signal 332 advantageously increases theamount of power supplied to the computing device 102 at point just priorto the predicted user activity. Accordingly, the computing device 102can more quickly be restored to the (S0) computing state and befully-functional in less time (relative to the (S2) sleep state).

FIG. 4 depicts procedures in which computing device 102 can selectivelyenable and disable sleep state adjustment procedures in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. As described herein, the computingdevice 102 can detect scenarios in which a remote computing device isgenerally within the vicinity of computing device 102 and oscillatesbetween satisfying and not satisfying a proximity distance thresholdvalue (e.g., proximity radius 400) during a pre-determined period oftime (e.g., period of a few minutes). By selectively enabling anddisabling the sleep state adjustment procedures described herein, thecomputing device 102 can be able to advantageously detect scenarios inwhich a user coupled to remote computing device 402 is generally withinthe vicinity of computing device 102 and is incidentally crossing theproximity radius 400 for only a brief period of time.

For example, a user holding remote computing device 402 may bemomentarily walking away from the computing device 102 (e.g., a laptop)at Time 1 to grab coffee in a nearby room and incidentally crosses theproximity radius 400 during the process, only to return to using thecomputing device 102 a short time thereafter during Time 2. In anotherexample, the user may be performing a number of tasks that require theuser holding the remote computing device 402 to return and leave thegeneral location of computing device 102 a number of times. Accordingly,the computing device 102 can be configured to prevent itself fromadjusting sleep states (e.g., (S1) sleep state, (S2) sleep state) inresponse to identifying that the remote computing device 402 oscillatesfrom being proximate to not proximate within a threshold period of time.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method 500 for adjusting sleep states of acomputing device based on a proximity of a remote computing device tothe computing device, according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 5, the method 500 can be implemented by the computing device 102, andbegins at step 502, where the computing device 102 determines whether itis in a sleep state. Sleep states can include, for example and asdescribed herein, low-power sleep states and high-power sleep states. Ifthe computing device 102 determines that it is in a sleep state, thenthe computing device 102 next determines whether a remote computingdevice is proximate to the computing device 102, as described in step504. Otherwise, the computing device 102 determines that it is not in asleep state and the computing device 102 can continue monitoring todetermine if it is in a sleep state. If the computing device 102determines that it is not in a sleep state, it can operate within anawake state due to detected user activity involving the use of thecomputing device. Once user activity is no longer detected, thecomputing device can proceed to step 502 to determine whether it iscurrently in a sleep state.

At step 504, the computing device 102 can determine whether a remotecomputing device is proximate to the computing device 102. Given thatthe computing device 102 determined that is currently within a sleepstate at step 502, the computing device 102 then makes determinations asto whether it should enter a high-power sleep state or a low-power sleepstate based on proximity to a remote computing device. If the computingdevice 102 determines that a remote computing device is proximate to thecomputing device 102, then the computing device 102 next determineswhether it is currently in a low-power sleep state, as described in step506. Otherwise, the computing device 102 determines whether it iscurrently in a high-power sleep state, as described in step 510.

At step 506, the computing device determines whether it is currently ina low-power sleep state. Given that the computing device 102 determinedthat a remote computing device is proximate to the computing device 102at step 504, the computing device 102 then makes determinations as towhether it should enter a high-power sleep state. If the computingdevice 102 determines it is currently in a low-power sleep state, thenthe computing device 102 enters into a high-power sleep state, asdescribed in step 508. Otherwise, the computing device 102 nextdetermines whether it is currently in a high-power sleep state, asdescribed in step 510.

At step 508, the computing device 102 enters into a high-power sleepstate. Given that the computing device 102 determined that the remotecomputing device is proximate to the computing device 102 at step 504and was in a low-power sleep state at step 506, the computing device 102determines that a user coupled to the remote computing device is morelikely to use the computing device 102 within a pre-determined period oftime and therefore sends control signals to power resource componentsthat increase the amount of power supplied to components resident withinthe computing device 102.

At step 510, the computing device 102 determines whether it is currentlyin a high-power sleep state. Given that the computing device 102determined that a remote computing device is not proximate to thecomputing device 102 at step 504, the computing device 102 then makesdeterminations as to whether it is currently operating within ahigh-power sleep state. If the computing device 102 is in a high-powersleep state, the computing device 102 enters into a low-power sleepstate, as described in step 512. Otherwise, the computing device 102determines whether it is in a sleep state, as described in step 502.

At step 512, the computing device 102 enters into a low-power sleepstate. Given that the computing device 102 determined that a remotecomputing device is not proximate to the computing device at step 504and that it is not currently operating within a high-power sleep stateat step 510, the computing device 102 determines that a user coupled tothe remote computing device 102 is less likely to use the computingdevice within a pre-determined period of time and therefore sendscontrol signals to power resource components that decrease the amount ofpower supplied to components resident within the computing device. Inaddition, the computing device proceeds to make determinations as towhether it is currently in a sleep state, as described in step 502.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 for adjusting sleep states based onhistorical user activity, as described herein according to someembodiments. As shown in FIG. 6 , the method 600 can be implemented by acomputing device 102, and begins at step 602, where the computing device102 determines whether it is in an awake state. If the computing device102 determines that it is in an awake state, the computing device 102next gathers data of historical user activity performed on the computingdevice 102, as described in step 604. Otherwise, the method 600determines that the computing device 102 is not in an awake state andwaits for the computing device to enter an awake state.

At step 604, the computing device 102 gathers data related to historicaluser activity performed on the computing device 102. The historical useractivity data is used by the computing device 102 to accuratelydetermine times of the day in which user activity involving the use ofthe computing device 102 typically begins to decrease as well as whenusage typically begins to increase so that the scheduled deep sleep andlight sleep signals correspondingly increase and decrease power suppliedduring the sleep state at the appropriate times. At step 606, thecomputing device 102 schedules a deep sleep signal and a light sleepsignal based on the historical user activity data gathered.

At step 608, the computing device 102 determines whether it is in asleep state. Given that the computing device 102 scheduled a deep sleepsignal and a light sleep signal at step 606, the computing device 102waits for the next sleep state to issue the signals in accordance withthe determined schedule. If the computing device 102 is in a sleepstate, then the computing device 102 next determines whether it detectedrecognizable user usage patterns, as described in step 610. Otherwise,the computing device 102 continues to gather data of historical useractivity performed on it, as described in step 604.

At step 610, the computing device 102 determines whether it detectedrecognizable user patterns. Given that the computing device 102 hasdetermined that is currently within a sleep state, the computing device102 determines whether recognizable user usage patterns are detectedbased on the historical user activity data gathered during step 604. Ifthe computing device 102 detected recognizable user usage patterns, thenthe computing device 102 issues the deep sleep signal and the lightsleep signal in accordance with the schedule, as described in step 612.Otherwise, the computing device 102 continues to gather data ofhistorical user activity performed on the computing device 102, asdescribed in step 604.

FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed view of a computing device 700 that can beused to implement the various components described herein, according tosome embodiments. In particular, the detailed view illustrates variouscomponents that can be included in the computing device 102 illustratedin FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 7 , the computing device 700 can include aprocessor 702 that represents a microprocessor or controller forcontrolling the overall operation of the computing device 700. Thecomputing device 700 can also include a user input device 708 thatallows a user of the computing device 700 to interact with the computingdevice 700. For example, the user input device 708 can take a variety offorms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch screen, audio inputinterface, visual/image capture input interface, input in the form ofsensor data, and so on. Still further, the computing device 700 caninclude a display 710 that can be controlled by the processor 702 todisplay information to the user. A data bus 716 can facilitate datatransfer between at least a storage device 740, the processor 702, and acontroller 713. The controller 713 can be used to interface with andcontrol different equipment through an equipment control bus 714. Thecomputing device 700 can also include a network/bus interface 711 thatcouples to a data link 712. In the case of a wireless connection, thenetwork/bus interface 711 can include a wireless transceiver.

As noted above, the computing device 700 also include the storage device740, which can comprise a single disk or a collection of disks (e.g.,hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages oneor more partitions within the storage device 740. In some embodiments,storage device 740 can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state)memory or the like. The computing device 700 can also include aRandom-Access Memory (RAM) 720 and a Read-Only Memory (ROM) 722. The ROM722 can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in anon-volatile manner. The RAM 720 can provide volatile data storage, andstores instructions related to the operation of applications executingon the computing device 102, including the proximity detector 110, thepower controller 112, the user activity detector 114, and the learningengine 116.

Additionally, FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 for adjusting the sleepstates of a first computing device 102 based on a proximity of a secondcomputing device 102, according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 8, the method 800 begins at step 802, where the computing device 102analyzes historical behavior associated with the computing device 102 toidentify at least one time period in which the computing device 102 isnot utilized (e.g., in accordance with the various techniques set forthherein). At step 804, the computing device 102 schedules, in accordancewith the at least one time period, a first event and a second event tooccur. In particular, and according to some embodiments, the first eventcauses the computing device 102 to enter into a lowest-power sleep statein which the computing device 102 ceases performing detections toidentify whether the computing device 102 should enter into ahigher-power sleep state. Conversely, and according to some embodiments,the second event causes the computing device 102 to transition from thelowest-power sleep state to the higher-power sleep state, where thecomputing device 102 resumes performing at least some of the detections.

According to some embodiments, the detections described above inconjunction with step 804 of FIG. 8 can include detecting a presence ofa user who is associated with the computing device 102. In particular,the presence of the user can be detected using sonar/radar output by thecomputing device 102. For example, one or more components included inthe computing device 102 can be configured to utilize sonar/radar todetect when (i) an object is nearby, and (ii) the object is in motion,which indicates that the object is a person, and not simply an inanimateobject (e.g., a lamp). According to some embodiments, the computingdevice 102 can be aware of a general profile of the user (e.g., weight,height, etc.) (or other authorized users) that can be compared againstwhat is detected through sonar/radar. In this regard, the computingdevice 102 can be configured to disregard the presence of people/animalswho do not match the profile of the user, and who should therefore bedisregarded by the computing device 102 when determining whether toescalate the power level of the computing device 102 when the computingdevice 102 is in a sleep state.

Additionally, the presence of the user can be detected using (iii)detected motion of the computing device 102 itself. According to someembodiments, the motion can be detected using any hardware devicecapable of detecting motion that is caused by a user, e.g.,accelerometers, torsion sensors, heat sensors, and so on, included inthe computing device 102. For example, the computing device 102 can beconfigured to detect when it is picked up, moved across a room, and soon. Additionally, the computing device 102 can be configured todisregard motion that likely is not being caused by a user, e.g.,repetitive motion caused by a car, a train, an airplane, and so on.

Additionally, the presence of the user can be detected using (iv) voiceidentification, so long as the user provides permission to do so.According to some embodiments, voices can be detected using any hardwarecapable of detecting sound, e.g., microphones, included on the computingdevice 102. According to some embodiments, the voice identification canbe generic and configured to simply detect the presence of any userwithin the vicinity of the computing device 102. However, in someembodiments, the voice identification can be advanced, where thecomputing device 102 attempts to match detected voice informationagainst a general profile of the user that describes aspects of theuser's voice. In this regard, the computing device 102 can be configuredto disregard the voices of individuals who are not authorized to operatethe computing device 102, thereby saving energy when such individualscarry out conversations in proximity to the computing device 102.

Additionally, the detections described above in conjunction with step804 of FIG. 8 can include detecting a presence of a second computingdevice 102 that is associated with the computing device 102 (e.g., inaccordance with the various techniques set forth herein). For example,the computing device 102 can receive at least one data packet from thesecond computing device 102—either in response to at least one datapacket transmitted by the computing device 102 (e.g., when the computingdevice 102 is in a search mode), and/or by the volition of the secondcomputing device 102 itself (e.g., when the second computing device 102is in a broadcast mode). According to some embodiments, and aspreviously described herein, the computing device 102 and/or the secondcomputing device 102 can be configured to calculate a physical distancebetween one another—which, as described in greater detail below, canaffect the manner in which one or more of the computing device 102 orthe second computing device 102 operate.

According to some embodiments, the level of the higher-power sleep state(described above at step 804) can scale in accordance with the distancebetween the computing device 102 and the second computing device 102. Inone scenario, the computing device 102 can implement a series ofdistance zones that each define a particular level of the higher-powersleep state that is activated at the computing device 102. For example,a first distance zone can dictate that a first-level-power sleep stateshould activated when the second computing device 102 is less than orequal to ten feet from the computing device 102. Continuing with thisexample, a second distance zone can dictate that a second-level-powersleep state should be activated when the second computing device 102 isgreater than ten feet—but less than or equal to twenty feet—from thecomputing device 102. Still continuing with this example, a thirddistance zone can dictate that a third-level-power sleep state should beactivated when the second computing device 102 is greater than twentyfeet—but less than or equal to thirty feet—from the computing device102. Still continuing with this example, a fourth distance zone candictate that the a lowest-power sleep state should be activated when thesecond computing device 102 is greater than thirty feet from (or notdetectible by) the computing device 102. It is noted that any number ofdistance zones and corresponding sleep state power levels can beimplemented without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Additionally, the level of the higher-power sleep state (described aboveat step 804) can scale in accordance with an amount of time that thesecond computing device 102 remains within the distance zone at a levelof acceptability. According to some embodiments, implementing thistechnique can involve the computing device 102 verifying that the secondcomputing device 102 remains within a particular distance zone for arespective threshold period of time prior to activating the sleep statepower level that corresponds to the distance zone. For example, thefirst distance zone described above can require that the secondcomputing device 102 is less than or equal to ten feet from thecomputing device 102 for at least ten seconds prior to activating thefirst-level-power sleep state. In another example, the second distancezone described above can require that the second computing device 102 isgreater than ten feet—but less than or equal to twenty feet—from thecomputing device 102 for at least fifteen seconds prior to activatingthe second-level-power sleep state. It is noted that the foregoingscenarios are exemplary, and that any time restrictions, at any level ofgranularity, can be implemented without departing from the scope of thisdisclosure. For example, the computing device 102 can be configured todisregard when the second computing device 102 switches betweendifferent distance zones so long as the second computing device 102 doesnot remain in the distance zones for a threshold period of time. In thismanner, the computing device 102 can avoid scenarios where its sleepstate is not elevated due to the second computing device 102 undergoingcontinuous movement throughout the distance zones for a period of time,which should otherwise appropriately cause the computing device 102 toelevate its sleep state by at least one level.

Additionally, it is noted that the various sleep states described hereincan cause the computing device 102 to perform the detection operationsat varying levels of intensity. For example, when the computing device102 transitions from the lowest-power sleep state to thefirst-level-power sleep state, the computing device 102 can beconfigured to carry out the detection procedures at first rate that iscommensurate with the first-level-power sleep state. For example, if thecomputing device 102 is configured to issue requests for nearbycomputing devices—e.g., the second computing device 102—to report theirpresence, the computing device 102 can be configured to issue suchrequests at a first frequency rate that is defined by thefirst-level-power sleep state. In another example, the computing device102 can be configured to process, at a first power rate that is definedby the first-level-power sleep state, gathered information (e.g., sonardata, radar data, microphone data, accelerometer data, etc.) thatpotentially indicates the presence of a user. In this regard, theaforementioned rates can scale in accordance with the sleep state thatis currently active on the computing device 102.

Additionally, it is noted that the computing device 102 can beconfigured to analyze operational aspects of the computing device 102when the computing device 102 enters into the higher-power sleep state.In particular, the computing device 102 can be configured to monitoramounts of time spent in any sleep states that exceed the lowest-powersleep state to identify conditions in which it was not beneficial forthe computing device 102 to transition to the higher-power-sleep states.For example, the computing device 102 can determine that the computingdevice 102 transitioned from operating in the lowest-power sleep stateto operating in the highest-power sleep state, but that the computingdevice 102 remained in the highest-power sleep state—without being wokenup/utilized by a user—for a prolonged period of time. In turn, thecomputing device 102 can be configured to update the historicalinformation associated with the computing device 102. In this regard,the historical information—when analyzed at a subsequent time by thecomputing device 102 when scheduling sleep elevation events—can helpprevent situations where the computing device 102 unnecessarily remainsin a higher-power sleep state, which might otherwise occur if thehistorical information is not updated.

Additionally, and as previously described herein, the computing device102 can be configured to optionally interact with a server computingdevice 150 to obtain additional information that can enable thecomputing device 102 to increase the accuracy by which the computingdevice 102 activates the various sleep states described herein. In oneexample, scenario, the server computing device 150 can identify that auser of the computing device 102 is and/or will not be in proximity tothe computing device 102 for an amount of time. For example, situationscan arise where the user forgets to bring his or her computing device102 (e.g., a laptop) to work, but brings or her second computing device102 (e.g., a phone) to work. In this example, the computing device 102would likely remain in a high-power sleep state given the computingdevice 102 is normally utilized by the user throughout the day when heor she is at work. However, as noted above, the second computing device102 can be configured to provide additional information that can improvethe overall accuracy of the techniques set forth herein. For example,the second computing device 102 can share its current location with theserver computing device 150 (assuming the user has permitted the secondcomputing device 102 to do so). In turn, the server computing device 150can determine that it would be beneficial to contact the computingdevice 102—e.g., via a network connection that remains active betweenthe computing device 102 and the server computing device 150 while thecomputing device 102 remains in the high-power sleep state—and instructthe computing device 102 to enter into a lower-power sleep state toconserve energy.

In another example scenario, the server computing device 150 can accessa calendar associated with the user (assuming the user has permitted theserver computing device 150 to do so) to identify time periods in whichthe user likely will not be in proximity to/utilize the computing device102. It is noted that the server computing device 150 can perform anylevel of analysis against the calendar without departing from the scopeof this disclosure. For example, the server computing device 150 canperform language processing on calendar entries within the calendar toidentify athletic activity—e.g., biking, rowing, hiking, etc.—where itis highly unlikely that the computing device 102 will not be utilized.It is noted that the type of computing device 102 can be taken intoaccount as well, e.g., whether the computing device 102 is a desktopcomputer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on, to improvethe expected utilization of the computing device 102 in view of thelanguage processing. Further, the computing device 102 can analyzeprior/recurring calendar events against historical usage to identifywhether non-obvious calendar entries imply whether the computing device102 will be utilized. For example, the calendar can indicate a recurringlunch meeting with a friend, where the computing device 102 hashistorically not been utilized during the lunch meeting. In this regard,the server computing device 150 can identify that the computing device102 can enter into a lower-power sleep state during the lunch meetingwith a low likelihood that the computing device 102 user will seek toutilize the computing device 102.

Accordingly, the server computing device 150 can be configured to takeany of the above-described aspects into account, and, when appropriate,cause the computing device 102 to enter into a lower-power sleep state.Additionally, the server computing device 150 can take any of theabove-described aspects into account, and cause the computing device 102to schedule an event that will cause the computing device 102 to enterinto a higher-level sleep state. This is beneficial, for example, whenthe server computing device 150 identifies that a user will likelyreturn to/utilize the computing device 102 after a period of inactivity,and where it will be beneficial for the computing device 102 to enterinto a higher-power sleep state that will enable the computing device102 to wake in a shorter period of time. For example, the servercomputing device 150 can determine that the user is traveling home (andtoward the computing device 102) and will likely utilize the computingdevice 102 at an upcoming time. It is noted that while the foregoingaspects are described as being implemented by the server computingdevice 150, they can also be implemented by one or more of the computingdevice 102 and the second computing device 102, in addition to theserver computing device 150 or in lieu of the server computing device150, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 for managing a plurality of applicationson the computing device 102 in accordance with sleep states under whichthe computing device 102 is operating, according to some embodiments. Asshown in FIG. 9 , the method 900 begins at step 902, where the computingdevice 102—in response to detecting that a first condition issatisfied—transitions from operating in a lowest-power sleep state to ahigher-power sleep state. According to some embodiments, the firstcondition can be satisfied when an event that was scheduled by thecomputing device 102 is triggered (e.g., as described in detail herein).Additionally, the first condition can be satisfied when the computingdevice is plugged into a power source. In particular, the computingdevice 102 can be configured to elevate into a higher-power sleep state,as it is practical for the computing device 102 to utilize the powersource to provide a higher level of performance to its user while thecomputing device 102 remains plugged into the power source.

At step 904, the computing device 102, in response to detecting that asecond condition is satisfied while operating in the higher-power sleepstate: causes at least one application of the plurality of applicationsto carry out at least one respective action. According to someembodiments, the second condition can be satisfied when an indication isreceived from a second computing device 102 that is associated with thecomputing device 102. In particular, the second computing device 102 canbe configured to analyze tasks that indicate the user likely willutilize the computing device 102. For example, the second computingdevice 102 can analyze behavior to identify that, when a photo is takenon the second computing device 102, the user typically accesses thecomputing device 102 shortly thereafter to view/edit the photo (e.g.,when the computing device 102 is a laptop and the second computingdevice 102 is a smartphone). In another example, the second computingdevice 102 can analyze behavior to identify that, when an email beingdrafted on the second computing device 102 surpasses a particular wordcount, the user typically accesses the computing device 102 shortlythereafter to complete the email on a larger keyboard (e.g., when thecomputing device 102 is a laptop and the second computing device 102 isa smartphone). It is noted that the foregoing scenarios are merelyexemplary, and that the second computing device 102 can be configured toanalyze any behavior, at any level of granularity, without departingfrom the scope of this disclosure.

Accordingly, it is noted that the indication received from the secondcomputing device 102 can also specify the at least one application ofthe plurality of applications. Continuing with the photo exampledescribed above, this can involve the second computing device 102indicating a name, identifier, etc., of the photo application, so thatthe computing device 102 is able to identify a counterpart photoapplication to spool-up on the computing device 102 when the computingdevice 102 transitions into the higher-power sleep state. Additionally,it is noted that the indication received from the second computingdevice 102 can further-specify an indication of the at least onerespective action. Continuing with the photo example described above,this can involve the second computing device 102 indicating a particulartask—e.g., download all new photos, download a specific photo, etc.—thatthe counterpart photo application should perform. In this regard, whenthe computing device 102 ultimately transitions into an awakestate—e.g., when the user powers-on the computing device 102—thecounterpart photo application is pre-loaded and refreshed.

It is noted that the above-described indication does not necessarilyneed to specify the at least one application/the at least one respectiveaction. On the contrary, the computing device 102 can be configured tocarry out different refresh operations whose intensity levels scale withthe sleep state into which the computing device 102 is transitioning.For example, when a short distance between the computing device 102 andthe second computing device 102 causes the computing device 102 toelevate into a highest-power sleep state, the computing device 102 canbe configured to refresh all applications that were executing on thecomputing device 102 prior to entering into a lower-power sleep state.In another example, when a medium distance between the computing device102 and the second computing device 102 causes the computing device 102to elevate into a higher-power sleep state that is less than thehighest-power sleep state, the computing device 102 can be configured torefresh only a subset of the applications that were executing on thecomputing device 102 prior to entering into a lower-power sleep state.It is noted that the computing device 102 can perform the refreshoperations at any level of granularity without departing from the scopeof this disclosure. For example, the computing device 102 can beconfigured to refresh all applications that were executing on thecomputing device 102 prior to entering into a lower-power sleep state,but only perform a minimal refresh. For example, when an emailapplication is included in the applications, the minimal refresh caninvolve only synchronizing an inbox folder and a drafts folder, asopposed to all folders with a full refresh.

Additionally, the second condition of step 904 can be satisfied when thecomputing device 102 detects a presence of a user who might not be inpossession of the second computing device 102. In particular, and aspreviously described herein, the computing device 102 can detect thepresence of the user based on one or more of: sonar, radar, detectedmotion of the computing device 102 itself, voice identification, and soon. According to some embodiments, any of the foregoing user-presencedetections can be analyzed by the computing device 102 to determine theat least one application/the at least one respective action. Forexample, when the user permits the computing device 102 to perform voiceanalysis, the computing device 102 can attempt to identify words—e.g.,configurable trigger words/phrases—that are spoken by the user andsuggest applications that the user potentially will imminently utilizeon the computing device 102. For example, when the word “email” isdetected—e.g., when the user speaks “I need to check my email”—thecomputing device 102 can be configured to spool-up the emailapplication, and refresh the folders managed by the email application.In another example, when the word “photo” is detected—e.g., when theuser speaks “I can show you the photo on my computer”—the computingdevice 102 can be configured to spool-up the photo application anddownload the latest photos from a cloud service.

It is noted that the foregoing scenarios are exemplary, and that any ofthe information including sonar, radar, detected motion, voiceidentification, etc.—can be analyzed at any level of granularity toidentify applications/tasks that should be identified by the computingdevice 102 when activating higher-power sleep states. For example, thecomputing device 102 can be configured to detect common phrases such as“let me grab my laptop,” “I'm looking for my laptop,” “I'll have tocheck on my computer,” and so on, and identify them as conditions toelevate the computing device 102 into a higher-level sleep state. Thecomputing device 102 can also assign timeout values to particularphrases—e.g., based on calculated reliability values associated with thephrases—that cause the computing device 102 to transition back into alower-power sleep state when the computing device 102 is not woken bythe user.

As described above, one aspect of the present technology is thegathering and use of data available from various sources to improve theoverall accuracy by which the computing device enters into and exits outof various sleep states. The present disclosure contemplates that insome instances, this gathered data may include personal information datathat uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specificperson. Such personal information data can include demographic data,location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID's,home addresses, data or records relating to a user's health or level offitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information,exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying orpersonal information.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personalinformation data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefitof users. For example, the personal information data can be used toincrease the manner in which the computing device adapts itself to thehabits of the user. Further, other uses for personal information datathat benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure.For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insightsinto a user's general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback toindividuals using technology to pursue wellness goals.

The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible forthe collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use ofsuch personal information data will comply with well-established privacypolicies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities shouldimplement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that aregenerally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmentalrequirements for maintaining personal information data private andsecure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and shouldbe updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personalinformation from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonableuses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimateuses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving theinformed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities shouldconsider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access tosuch personal information data and ensuring that others with access tothe personal information data adhere to their privacy policies andprocedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluationby third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacypolicies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should beadapted for the particular types of personal information data beingcollected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards,including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US,collection of or access to certain health data may be governed byfederal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability andAccountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries maybe subject to other regulations and policies and should be handledaccordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained fordifferent personal data types in each country.

Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplatesembodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to,personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplatesthat hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent orblock access to such personal information data. For example, in the caseof analysis of user behavior, the present technology can be configuredto allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation inthe collection of personal information data during registration forservices or anytime thereafter. In addition to providing “opt in” and“opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providingnotifications relating to the access or use of personal information. Forinstance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that theirpersonal information data will be accessed and then reminded again justbefore personal information data is accessed by the app.

Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personalinformation data should be managed and handled in a way to minimizerisks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can beminimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once itis no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including incertain health related applications, data de-identification can be usedto protect a user's privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, whenappropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth,etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g.,collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level),controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users),and/or other methods.

Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use ofpersonal information data to implement one or more various disclosedembodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the variousembodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing suchpersonal information data. That is, the various embodiments of thepresent technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all ora portion of such personal information data. For example, generalbehavior can be inferred based on non-personal information data orpublicly available information.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodimentsare presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to theprecise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art that many modifications and variations are possible in view ofthe above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for managing a plurality of applicationson a computing device in accordance with sleep states under which thecomputing device is operating, the method comprising, at the computingdevice: detecting, at a first rate that correlates to the lowest-powersleep state, whether a first condition is satisfied; in conjunction withdetecting that the first condition is satisfied, causing the computingdevice to transition from operating in a lowest-power sleep state to ahigher-power sleep state having a level of power that is basedcircumstances under which the first condition is satisfied; detecting,at a second rate that correlates to the higher-power sleep state,whether a second condition is satisfied, wherein the second rate isdistinct from the first rate; and in conjunction with detecting that thesecond condition is satisfied: causing at least one application of theplurality of applications to carry out at least one respective action atan operational level that is scaled in accordance with the level ofpower.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first condition issatisfied when: an event that was scheduled by the computing device istriggered, and/or the computing device is plugged into a power source.3. The method of claim 1, wherein: the second condition is satisfiedwhen an indication is received from a second computing device that isassociated with the computing device, the indication specifies the atleast one application of the plurality of applications, and theindication specifies the at least one respective action.
 4. The methodof claim 3, further comprising: calculating a distance between thecomputing device and the second computing device; and scaling theoperational level of the at least one respective action based on thedistance.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the second condition issatisfied when the computing device detects a presence of a user basedon one or more of: sonar output by the computing device, radar output bythe computing device, detected motion of the computing device itself, orvoice identification.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein, when thecomputing device detects the presence of the user based on voiceidentification, the at least one application and the at least onerespective action are selected based on the voice identification.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the plurality of applications were previouslyexecuting on the computing device prior to transitioning into thelowest-power sleep state.
 8. A non-transitory computer readable storagemedium configured to store instructions that, when executed by aprocessor included in a computing device, cause the computing device tomanage a plurality of applications in accordance with sleep states underwhich the computing device is operating, by carrying out steps thatinclude: detecting, at a first rate that correlates to the lowest-powersleep state, whether a first condition is satisfied; in conjunction withdetecting that the first condition is satisfied, causing the computingdevice to transition from operating in a lowest-power sleep state to ahigher-power sleep state having a level of power that is basedcircumstances under which the first condition is satisfied; detecting,at a second rate that correlates to the higher-power sleep state,whether a second condition is satisfied, wherein the second rate isdistinct from the first rate; and in conjunction with detecting that thesecond condition is satisfied: causing at least one application of theplurality of applications to carry out at least one respective action atan operational level that is scaled in accordance with the level ofpower.
 9. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim8, wherein the first condition is satisfied when: an event that wasscheduled by the computing device is triggered, and/or the computingdevice is plugged into a power source.
 10. The non-transitory computerreadable storage medium of claim 8, wherein: the second condition issatisfied when an indication is received from a second computing devicethat is associated with the computing device, the indication specifiesthe at least one application of the plurality of applications, and theindication specifies the at least one respective action.
 11. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein thesteps further include: calculating a distance between the computingdevice and the second computing device; and scaling the operationallevel of the at least one respective action based on the distance. 12.The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 8, whereinthe second condition is satisfied when the computing device detects apresence of a user based on one or more of: sonar output by thecomputing device, radar output by the computing device, detected motionof the computing device itself, or voice identification.
 13. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein,when the computing device detects the presence of the user based onvoice identification, the at least one application and the at least onerespective action are selected based on the voice identification. 14.The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 8, whereinthe plurality of applications were previously executing on the computingdevice prior to transitioning into the lowest-power sleep state.
 15. Acomputing device configured to manage a plurality of applications inaccordance with sleep states under which the computing device isoperating, the computing device comprising a processor configured tocause the computing device to carry out steps that include: detecting,at a first rate that correlates to the lowest-power sleep state, whethera first condition is satisfied; in conjunction with detecting that thefirst condition is satisfied, causing the computing device to transitionfrom operating in a lowest-power sleep state to a higher-power sleepstate having a level of power that is based circumstances under whichthe first condition is satisfied; detecting, at a second rate thatcorrelates to the higher-power sleep state, whether a second conditionis satisfied, wherein the second rate is distinct from the first rate;and in conjunction with detecting that the second condition issatisfied: causing at least one application of the plurality ofapplications to carry out at least one respective action at anoperational level that is scaled in accordance with the level of power.16. The computing device of claim 15, wherein the first condition issatisfied when: an event that was scheduled by the computing device istriggered, and/or the computing device is plugged into a power source.17. The computing device of claim 15, wherein: the second condition issatisfied when an indication is received from a second computing devicethat is associated with the computing device, the indication specifiesthe at least one application of the plurality of applications, and theindication specifies the at least one respective action.
 18. Thecomputing device of claim 17, wherein the steps further include:calculating a distance between the computing device and the secondcomputing device; and scaling the operational level of the at least onerespective action based on the distance.
 19. The computing device ofclaim 15, wherein the second condition is satisfied when the computingdevice detects a presence of a user based on one or more of: sonaroutput by the computing device, radar output by the computing device,detected motion of the computing device itself, or voice identification.20. The computing device of claim 19, wherein, when the computing devicedetects the presence of the user based on voice identification, the atleast one application and the at least one respective action areselected based on the voice identification.